Structural Shape Optimization Considering Both Performance and Manufacturing Cost

Abstract

This paper presents a structural shape optimization method that considers not only structural performance but also manufacturing cost. Most structural optimizations only take into account structural performance metrics such as stress, mass, deformation, or natural frequency. However, it is often observed that structural performance improves at the expense of manufacturing cost. This work explores the tradeoff between mass and manufacturing cost with the application of the abrasive water jet (AWJ) manufacturing process. Structural performance, defined as maximum von Mises stress, is a constraint in this work. Work-in-progress results are presented for two structural design examples to demonstrate this tradeoff between mass and manufacturing cost while investigating shape optimization using non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS). Additional work is still needed to complete this research project.